Himachal Government’s Pension Scheme Dilemma: OPS vs UPS
Shimla, February 11: Discussions surrounding the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) have officially begun in Himachal Pradesh, even though the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was reinstated just recently. The state government is now carefully evaluating the potential impacts of UPS, and the matter is expected to be brought up for discussion in the upcoming cabinet meeting.
OPS Implementation: Still Incomplete in Some Areas
The Congress-led state government had promised to restore OPS during its election campaign, a promise it fulfilled after coming into power. In the last two years, more than 700 employees have benefited from the scheme. However, its full implementation has yet to be achieved in state-owned corporations and boards.
Amidst this, the central government has sent a proposal urging Himachal to consider adopting UPS. However, the state government has not responded officially, and the matter remains under review.
Potential Financial Assistance from UPS
The UPS, proposed by the central government, offers pension to government employees based on their service period and last drawn salary. If the Himachal Pradesh government adopts the scheme, it would receive special financial assistance of up to ₹1600 crores annually from the Center.
As the state grapples with financial stress due to the implementation of OPS, experts suggest that UPS could help control pension-related expenses while simultaneously offering the much-needed financial assistance from the central government to boost state development.
Ministerial Statement on the Issue
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has assured that the government will take a decision on the pension scheme that is in the best interest of both employees and the state’s economy. He acknowledged that while OPS was implemented before UPS came into existence, the central government now offers this alternative, which is being seriously considered.
Outstanding ₹9,000 Crores from the Central Government
Vikramaditya Singh also highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is still awaiting ₹9,000 crores from the central government, a matter Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has raised publicly multiple times. While employee organizations have echoed this demand, there has been no substantial response from the Center.
The state government is working to strike a balance between the employees’ interests and the state’s economic situation. The final decision on whether to retain OPS or shift to UPS will be made after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhu.
Opposition to UPS from Employees Federation
The Himachal Pradesh Employees Federation, however, has strongly rejected the proposal for UPS, advocating for the continuation of OPS. Federation President Pradeep Thakur made it clear that if the government attempts to replace OPS, the employees would firmly oppose it. The Federation emphasizes that OPS was reinstated after years of struggle, and there is no need to replace it with the new scheme.
As the matter unfolds, Himachal Pradesh faces a crucial decision that will impact both government employees and the state’s financial future.
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